This speaker series is designed to encourage the campus community to think – and talk with one another – about what it means to develop an informed opinion and stand your ground when challenged; and about changing your mind in light of new evidence, different perspectives, and serious reflection. We want to make the case that open inquiry and the thoughtful exchange of ideas is not only or primarily about left-right debates and shouting matches. It can expand what you know (and how you know it), change your mind when warranted, and help cultivate the courage of your convictions when necessary.

Glenn C. Loury is the Merton P. Stoltz Professor of the Social Sciences, Emeritus, at Brown University, and the inaugural speaker in the series. As a public intellectual, writing mainly on the themes of racial inequality and social policy, he has published hundreds of essays and reviews in journals of public affairs in the U.S. and abroad.

He is also host of The Glenn Show, a popular podcast and newsletter. His most recent book Self-Censorship provides a provocative analysis of the powerful social forces that can inhibit our willingness to voice unpopular opinions. The answer, he argues, is for as many of us as possible to be braver and more human – to take a risk and unapologetically “live within the truth.”

Self-Censorship was just published by Polity Books and will be available for purchase during the reception and Open Inquiry Fair that will follow Loury’s conversation with moderator Angela Dillard, Professor of History and Afroamerican & African Studies, Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education and Interim VP for Access & Opportunity.

Registration is required. Please register at the sidebar under RELATED LINKS.

Open Inquiry Week events are sponsored by Talking Maize & Blue, the Life Changing Education Theme Year, The Program on Intergroup Relations, the University of Michigan Library, HxA Campus Community at U-M, Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy, and the Office of the Provost.